An Endangered Species in Illinois
River otters are an endangered species in Illinois and were reintroduced to Evergreen Lake and the Mackinaw River Valley with a release of 30 otters 1996. The transplanted otters come from Louisiana, where thriving populations of river otters exist.

Range of a River OtterThe river otter may range over a 60-mile radius, moving between several food source locations to keep all viable. A summer sighting at Evergreen Lake included baby otters in 1997. Anyone seeing an otter in Illinois is asked to report the location to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

For More Information If you have any questions, please contact the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation at (309) 434-6770.